North American countries are at a crossroads. Cities are struggling with multiple crisis amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and the multiple effects of climate change. Vulnerable groups are hit by social, economic, and political challenges, resulting in devastating setbacks to advance inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.

North American countries are off-track to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and urban areas are increasingly at risk struggling with deepening inequalities and infrastructure gaps. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a reversal in SDG progress on many goals and indicators.

However, despite these setbacks, cities and urban areas remain central to the sustainable development trajectory. Cities are where a new social contract can emerge to accelerate climate action, ensure peace and health for all. Cities and communities have demonstrated solutions and are accelerators for the implementation of the SDGs.